O'Neil, William J.

Born at La Crosse, WI; went to the St. John School for the Deaf (Milwaukee), then the Wisconsin School for the Deaf for 6 years until graduation in 1891. Worked in shoe shops until 1894, when he went into partnership with his father on their own shoe store. His brother joined them several years later and the store expanded to include hosiery and clothing, becoming the second largest in the city. Married Cora A. Miller in 1897.